KidneyTalk - An Online Radio Show By Renal Support Network

Lori interviews John Foxjohn, author of Killer Nurse, who tells a chilling tale. A dialysis nurse committed serial murder! We bring you this interview not to scare you but to tell you of an unprecedented event in hemodialysis. Kimberly Clark Saenz is now serving life in prison plus sixty years for the murder of five people. Hear what Foxjohn's two hundred plus interviews reveal about this horrific crime.

Danea Horn is no stranger to adversity. She's battling multiple illnesses and impending kidney failure, so she knows what she's talking about and definitely practices what she preaches. She's the author of a new book titled Chronic Resilience: 10 Sanity-Saving Strategies for Women Coping with the Stress of Illness. Lori and Danea talk about how they accepted their illness and how they focus on what they can control. If you could use a dose of hope, tune in and listen.

How often does the doctor become the patient? Unfortunately, Mark Wedel, MD, like the protagonist in the movie "The Doctor," had to live this transformation. When he was told that his kidneys were failing and that he needed a transplant, Dr. Wedel had no idea where to begin, what to do, or what to ask. After carefully researching his options, he decided to write a book to better explain to other patients and health care professionals what they need to know to prepare. Lori and Dr. Wedel go though many of the things you need to understand before you get a transplant.

Chronic illnesses and hospitalizations are no laughing matter, until you're living them and realize that laughter helps you get through these difficult times. Carla Ulbrichthe Singing Patientlaughed and sang her way through a stroke, kidney failure, and severe lupus. She explains to Lori how she discovered the healing and coping powers within herself. She has songs about sitting in the waiting room, dealing with a collection of specialists, finding the right person to draw blood, and even seeing her butt disappear because of illness. Can you relate? This is our 200th KidneyTalk show, and what better way to celebrate, than by laughing our way to healing.

The medical director of the dialysis facility is the captain of your ship. Dr. Doug Johnson and Dr. Tom Parker recently had a meeting that allowed medical directors from around the country to openly discuss the ways they're improving patient care and the quality goals they need to focus on. This unique collaborative approach is the pathway to providing the best possible care for people on dialysis. On Wednesday, September 25, the National Renal Administrators Association is hosting a Medical Directors and Nephrology Symposium in order to bring colleagues and industry experts together in Seattle to discuss practical application for improving patient care. Tell your Nephrologist about the meeting so he or she can navigate the crazy waters of dialysis properly.

Do you suffer from an invisible disability? People often think that because you look good, you can't possibly feel bad. Wayne Connell, the founder of the Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA), describes how he watched his wife, who has multiple sclerosis, go through this. He and Lori discuss ideas on how you can improve communication with a loved one who has an invisible disability and how you can respond to those who just don't get it.

Chef Aaron McCargo Jr., from Big Daddy's House on The Food Network, has come up with good-tasting, kidney-friendly recipes for people on dialysis. Listen to this interview and find out about the spices and juices you can use to give your food that extra something to help you stay on track with your renal diet, together with other useful tips. Try one of his recipes and have what he calls "a party in your mouth."

Can you live very long on dialysis? Oh yes you can! Lori interviews Ms. Celia Kanter who has been on dialysis for over 36 years. Celia was diagnosed with kidney disease at the age of 30, due to high blood pressure, and was given only 5 years to live. She is now 73, has had the same fistula since she started, and is living an active life. Listen to this amazing woman's story of wisdom, longevity and positivity, despite the limitations of dialysis and chronic illness.

Yancy discovered not only the love of her life on that blind date with Hector, but also a new world that would lead to a career and life dedicated to caring and advocating for people with chronic renal failure. Learning everything she could about kidney disease, dialysis and transplant, so that she could know more about the illness her soon-to-be husband was living with, Yancy decided to pursue a career in Rehabilitation Counseling to help people on dialysis. On their island of Puerto Rico, Yancy and Hector reach out to others with a message of hope, living joyfully, and staying positive. Listen to their inspiring story.

What do you do when you grow up battling kidney disease? Mary Wu would say "don't let it consume or define you." Listen to this upbeat interview with Mary, who shares her story and the "wu-isms" she lives by. She wrote a book, "Confessions of a Kidney Transplant Recipient," for herself and later decided to publish it to help others. Two time kidney transplant recipient and now an advocate for donation and transplants, Mary is sharing the wisdom that comes from adversity and the contagiously good vibes that have helped her succeed.

If you've had chickenpox, you're at risk for developing shingles. Linda Oakford, who received a kidney transplant 12 years ago, shares her personal experience with shingles and the painful rash that can appear anywhere on the body. Learn about symptoms and treatment so that if you develop shingles, you can detect it early and expedite your recovery.

Organ donation is an important topic, since according to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, a total of 128,474 people are waiting for a transplant, and 103,630 of them are waiting for a kidney. Chris Klug explains how he "trained for the race of his life," and he isn't talking about snowboarding at the Olympics. In addition, David Fleming, President and CEO of Donate Life, clears up many misconceptions about being a donor.

Lucy Kim is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in West Hollywood, CA. She has worked with transplant recipients for several years. Patients always ask her, "After I get my transplant, how long will my Medicare benefits last?" In this interview, Lori and Lucy talk about what people need to know if their benefits end 36 months after their transplant to help them look for other ways to get their life-saving antirejection medication.

The Hostert family never knew that kidney disease would affect their lives in so many ways. Kathleen and her son Justin share the bond of having given the gift of life to Husband/Dad Craig. Listen to this rollercoaster of a ride show and hear what the family learned throughout this journey. Organ donation can bring a family even closer together.

Different organ procurement regions across the country have different wait times for a transplant. They range from a couple of years to a decade. Ron Taubman shares his personal experience with multi-listing at various transplant centers throughout the country to increase his chances of getting a kidney. In this informative interview, learn what most centers require and what the patient's financial obligations are.

Mandy Trolinger always knew that she wanted a child, but the two kidney transplants she had had meant that pregnancy was risky both for her and for the baby. As a physician assistant and renal dietician, she understands the medical risks involved and explains what she learned during her pregnancy about immunosuppressants, weight gain, and breastfeeding. She also describes what she had to do to deliver the healthy baby boy whom she and her husband Steve named Brandon.

Lynne Sanditen's father was diagnosed with kidney disease and was constantly trying to figure out the phosphorus, potassium, protein and sodium for his diet. It was daunting. She knew she had to find a way to help him and thus, the Kidney Diet App was born. Listen to how this user-friendly tool works and can be personalized to help you make the right renal friendly food choices.

There is a movement in the United States to help educate people and public officials of the benefits of home dialysis. Dr. Leslie Wong is Vice President of Clinical Affairs of Satellite and on the Steering Committee of the Alliance for Home Dialysis. He discusses with Lori the issues that can prevent people from having this treatment option made available to them. Have you been offered peritoneal or home hemodialysis as treatment options? Tune in and get informed.

Kidney disease presents a number of stressful situations that can lead to feelings of anxiety. How do you know that it's time to seek help? Mark Meier, MSW, is the Founder and Executive Director of the Face It Foundation. He explains what the symptoms are and how to determine if they are affecting your life or your health care. In addition to providing some tips on coping with anxiety, he asserts that "you owe it to yourself to deal with it." You, your family, and your health care providers will all benefit.

After years of dialysis, Bill Cone received a successful transplant. He recently celebrated his 75th birthday and is still going strong. He believes deeply in the value of staying busyexplaining that people should work, teach, and help others. Hearing his story will motivate everyone in the audience.